The first Patria AMV XP 8×8 armoured vehicle has officially been delivered to the Japan Self-Defense Ground Forces (JSGDF) under the Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (WAPC) 8×8 programme. The delivery was made by Japan Steel Works (JSW) following a handover ceremony on September 2, 2025, at JSW’s Muroran plant in Hokkaido.
Strategic Cooperation and Technology Transfer
Patria secured the WAPC contract in August 2023 and has since worked closely with JSW to implement technology transfer to Japan. This collaboration highlights Japan’s strategy of strengthening its domestic defense production capabilities while leveraging Patria’s combat-proven AMV technology.
“Japan has become the ninth user nation of Patria AMV vehicles and joined the international AMV community. This milestone marks the close cooperation between Patria, JSGDF, and JSW, yielding successful results. We remain committed to long-term strategic cooperation with Japan,” said Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President, Protected Mobility of Patria.
Replacing Japan’s Type-96 Vehicles
According to Janne Räkköläinen, Vice President, Market Area World of Patria, the AMV XP 8×8 was chosen to replace JSGDF’s ageing Type-96 8×8 vehicles. He emphasized that the new platform offers superior mobility, protection, and modularity to meet a wide range of operational needs, ensuring enhanced performance for Japanese soldiers.
Patria AMV XP 8×8: Combat-Proven and Future-Ready
The Patria AMV XP 8×8 is a state-of-the-art modular wheeled armoured vehicle designed for high mobility, robust protection, and adaptability across missions. Its combat-proven AMV family has served in multiple international operations, making it a trusted solution for protecting troops and sovereignty.
Patria’s business model emphasizes industrial participation and local manufacturing. In addition to Japan, the company has successfully executed technology transfers in Poland, Croatia, South Africa, and is currently doing so for Slovakia’s AMV 8×8 programme.
